Norwegian offshore wind service company Edda Wind recently announced that it has taken delivery of its first commissioning operation vessel (CSOV), the hydrogen-ready, 290'x65' Edda Breeze. The vessel is the first to be delivered as part of a nine-vessel newbuilding program. It can accommodate up to 120 persons onboard.
In August, the Edda Breeze will begin a 10-year contract with Ocean Breeze at the Bard Offshore 1 wind farm in Germany.
“The delivery of Edda Breeze marks the start of deliveries for our newbuilding programme of nine vessels. More importantly, we have already secured long-term contracts for the first four newbuilds. Hence, each vessel delivery means increased revenues and improved profitability for Edda Wind,” Kenneth Walland, CEO of Edda Wind, said in a prepared statement announcing the delivery.
The CSOV Edda Breeze has been designed with flexibility and operability that enable it to service wind farms worldwide. The vessel has also been prepared for zero-emission operations with hydrogen as energy carrier in a Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier (LOHC) concept. This concept has been adopted by Edda Wind as it meets the company's strict criteria for safe operation, logistical solutions, and endurance. For example, this way of handling hydrogen on board avoids exposure to the safety risks that exist for several other green fuel solutions.
“Edda Breeze is the first CSOVs in the world prepared with a hydrogen-based energy system planned for four weeks endurance. In principle, this means that this vessel in a few years’ time is capable of supporting the construction and commissioning of wind farms without generating carbon emissions,” said Walland.
Edda Breeze is of Salt 0217 design and build number C489 from Astilleros Gondán shipyard in Spain, the same yard that delivered Edda Passat and Edda Mistral in 2018.
In addition to Edda Breeze and the eight vessels – six CSOVs and two service operations vessels (SOVs) – currently on order, Edda Wind owns and operates two SOVs, Edda Passat and Edda Mistral. The two SOVs are both on charter to Ørsted working wind farms offshore the UK. In total, Edda Wind’s fleet will consist of 11 vessels. The company also operates one chartered-in frontrunner vessel, the Edda Fjord. Edda Fjord started the Ocean Breeze contract in April 2021 and will operate until replaced by Edda Breeze.
“Operators are continuously looking for ways to improve the efficiency of wind farm operations and reduce operating costs and environmental footprint. Our specially designed offshore wind service vessels provide exactly this. We expect demand for specialised service vessels to improve, and we are well-positioned to capitalise on this trend,” said Walland.
